Our lives reflect today the impact that various individuals have made on us throughout our days. From an appearance standpoint, our physical attributes reflect our heritage and our parents, and our wardrobe choices reflect our culture and styles that are popular. More importantly, from a spiritual standpoint, we have been shaped by others. Think about this and how you have been affected spiritually by others.
As God has designed, evangelists have a significant spiritual impact on those who sit at their feet. At Palm Beach Lakes, there are recognizable characteristics of those who sat and were taught by
Bill Hatcher, and that’s from 30 years ago. Again, at PBL, those who have grown under the tutelage of Dan Jenkins have noticeable qualities that make them stand out. I have met many who have grown spiritually at Roebuck Parkway in Birmingham, and they share so many likenesses with Jerry Jenkins, who has preached there for over 40 years. There’s a reason for that. And, preachers everywhere must soberly consider the power of their influence.
However, it is not just preachers who mold the spiritual lives of others. I find it intriguing that the English word “sheep” looks so much like the word “shepherd”—intriguing because the similarity of the words to each other is the similarity that is to exist between sheep and shepherds in reality. Jesus spoke of the special relationship between shepherds and sheep in John 10—“…the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (10:3-4). Man has noted that shepherds who spend genuine, quality time with sheep will “smell like sheep.” And, sheep who spend genuine, quality time with their shepherds begin to look like them and live like them. There’s a reason for that. And, elders everywhere must soberly consider the power of their influence.
Yet, having a spiritual impact on others is not limited to preachers and elders. There are mature Christians (not necessarily “old” Christians) who help younger Christians and new converts grow and mature, through teaching, training, mentoring, encouraging and leading. As these younger Christians mature, they look more and more like their “spiritual mentors.” There’s a reason for that.
Jesus taught that “everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Who are you like? Who will be like you? One more thought about this next week.